Gala raises $37K for Farmington’s Warner Mansion

The director of Farmington’s iconic Governor Warner Mansion told city officials Monday that an August 12 gala raised more than $37,000 for repairs and renovations.

Kim Shay said business leaders “got a chance to engage with the Mansion,” which is located on Grand River west of Farmington Road and owned by the City of Farmington. The event also kicked off a building fund created by the new Friends of the Governor Warner Mansion non-profit.

At the gala, former Farmington city council members and mayors John and Shirley Richardson announced their $20,000 donation to the fund. In addition, Shay said, Annie Slocum, a descendant of Governor Fred Warner, pledged $10,000. The event itself pulled in more than $7,000.

Shay said the fund will support the construction of a “rentable” meeting space for 40-50 people behind the carriage barn.

“We wanted to have something that would help the Mansion be self-supporting and let the Mansion be a museum,” Shay said.

She also cited the hard work of volunteers who helped organize and worked during the event. “It took a huge group effort to make this happen.”

“It was a delightful evening,” council member Steven Schneemann commented. “What I’m most excited by is the fact that more than ever, at least in my time in Farmington, the Mansion seems to have a high profile. It’s knit itself into the fabric of our community.”

To learn more about the Mansion, volunteer or donate, call 248-474-5500 ext. 2225.